Van flares
Fiberglass flares that widen the back of your van so you can sleep sideways. Flarespace, VanSpeed and RhinoVan, professionally painted and bonded in.
Sleep sideways, free up length
Most cargo vans are too narrow for an adult to sleep across. Flares replace the upper rear quarter panels or windows with fiberglass shells that push out a few inches on each side, enough for a sideways bed that frees up close to two feet of van length for a garage, dinette or galley.
We install flares from Flarespace, VanSpeed and RhinoVan. Flarespace makes the widest range, for Sprinter, Transit and ProMaster vans, with half-slider or awning windows. VanSpeed's capsules have a squarer shape that is easy to finish inside, for the Sprinter and Transit. RhinoVan makes flares for the 144 Sprinter. They all ship unpainted, so we take them to an auto body shop for professionally matched automotive paint, or a contrast color if you want one.
Top view of a Sprinter with flares. The bed turns 90 degrees and runs across the van, which frees the length it would have taken running front to back.
- 1Flare replaces upper rear quarter panel
- 2Sideways bed platform framed into the flares
- 3Space you gain garage, dinette or galley
- 4Bonded joint structural adhesive, cured, water-tested
Flare options
| Brand | Option | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Flarespace | Full Flare (Sprinter 144 or 170) | Full-depth design that moves the window cut-out. The most sleeping width. |
| Flarespace | Classic Flare | The original design, slightly shallower. |
| Flarespace | Regular or Extended | Extended adds depth on the driver side of the 144. The passenger side stays regular to clear the slider. |
| Flarespace | Windows | None, half slider or awning (awning on the driver side only on the 144). |
| Flarespace | Transit and ProMaster bed flares | Flares for the Transit 148 and 148 EXT and the ProMaster 136. |
| VanSpeed | Capsules, Sprinter or Transit | Squared-off shape, the deepest of the three, up to about 11 in of total width. With or without windows. |
| RhinoVan | Sprinter 144 flares | About 5 in on the driver side and 3 in on the passenger side. Ships primed for paint. No windows. |
Fitment and depths from each maker's listings. Some 170 flares and capsules cannot keep the factory middle window. Finished sleeping width after insulation is usually 72 to 78 in.
How we do it
Pick and paint
The right flare for your van and wheelbase, painted at an auto body shop to match your van or in a contrast color.
Cut
Body panels cut along the window line and the cut edge primed against rust.
Prep and bond
Flange and body cleaned and scuffed, adhesive bead laid, flare clamped or taped in place.
Cure
About a day and a half at shop temperature before the van moves.
Seal, test, finish
Inside sealed, hose-tested, windows and trim fitted, then insulation and the bed frame.
What to know before you buy
Your van and wheelbase
Each brand covers different vans. Flarespace has the widest range. We confirm fit before you order.
Window conflicts
Some 170 flares cannot keep the factory middle window, and flare windows are sized by the flare maker.
Measure the sleeper
Real width after insulation is usually 72 to 78 in. We measure before you commit.
Paint is part of the job
Flares ship in raw gelcoat or primer. An auto body shop paints them in matched automotive paint, or a contrast color if you prefer.
Questions about flares
Which flare brand is best?
It depends on your van and layout. Flarespace has the most options and windows, VanSpeed capsules are the deepest and easiest to finish inside, and RhinoVan is a simple option for the 144 Sprinter.
Can a six-foot person sleep sideways?
Usually, yes. Finished width is typically 72 to 78 in. We measure your sleeper and mattress before ordering.
Do flares only work on Sprinters?
No. Flarespace and VanSpeed both make flares for the Ford Transit, and Flarespace also covers the ProMaster.
Do the flares bolt on?
They are bonded with structural adhesive and cured before driving.
Get a flare quote
Send a few details and we will call you back with ideas, options and a ballpark.
- 6771 Emigration Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City
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